How to Back Up a WordPress Site Properly
A WordPress backup has two parts: the files and the database. Here is how to back up both, how often, where to keep the copies and how to test them.
By Steve, Founder and editor, website developer
Updated
· Last reviewed · 2 min read
In short
- A full WordPress backup has two parts: the database and the files. You need both to restore a site.
- WordPress's handbook suggests weekly backups for smaller sites and daily backups for busy ones.
- Keep at least three to five recent backups in different places, such as your host, cloud storage and your own computer.
- A backup you've never restored is a hope, not a plan: test one now and then.
What does a WordPress backup include?
WordPress's handbook explains that there are two parts to backing up a WordPress site, and you need both to restore it fully:
- The database: your posts, pages, settings, users, comments, Site Editor changes and (for shops) orders.
- The files: WordPress itself, your themes and plugins, your uploads (images and documents),
wp-config.phpand.htaccess. Thewp-contentfolder holds everything that's unique to your site.
How often should you back up?
The handbook's rule of thumb: once a week for smaller sites with few changes, and daily for busy sites. Shops taking orders, and sites with frequent comments or form entries, should back up daily or more. Always take a fresh backup before updates and big changes.
Where should you keep backups?
Keep at least three to five recent backups, in different places: for example one on your hosting account, one in cloud storage such as Google Drive or Dropbox, and one downloaded to your computer. A backup stored only on the same server as your site doesn't help if that server or account has a problem.
What are the ways to back up WordPress?
| Method | How | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Your host's backups | Usually automatic and daily; restore from the control panel | Check how long they're kept and whether you can download them |
| A backup plugin | Schedules backups and sends them to cloud storage | Choose a well-maintained plugin and test a restore |
| cPanel Backup | Files › Backup: download a home directory and database backup | Manual, but gives you a copy you control |
| By hand | Download files by FTP and export the database in phpMyAdmin | Slow, but needs no extra software |
How do you test a backup?
Every few months, restore a backup to a staging site or a spare subdomain and check it works: pages load, images appear and you can log in. If your host offers one-click restores, read how they work before you need them in a hurry.
Where to go next
Add backups to your maintenance routine and read WordPress security basics.
Questions and answers
How often should I back up my WordPress site?
WordPress's handbook suggests weekly backups for smaller sites and daily backups for busy sites, plus a fresh backup before every update. Keep three to five copies in different places. Backup guide.
Sources and further reading
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